§ 58. Mr. Colin Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the procedure for dealing with asbestos claimants.
§ Mr. RossiThe procedures are kept under review and are, I believe, as effective and speedy as is practicable given the difficulties inherent in the examination of claims of this type. However, if my hon. Friend is aware of a case which is causing concern, I should be glad to have the details in order to make inquiries.
§ 76. Mr. Tom Benyonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many claims there have been for asbestos sufferers over the past year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. RossiThe information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, in 1981, the latest year for which figures are available, pneumoconiosis medical boards examined 417 claimants in connection with claims under the industrial injuries scheme relating to asbestosis; and in 140 cases diagnosed the disease. In the same year, 206 awards of industrial death benefit were made due to death from asbestosis and diffuse mesothelioma.